Just about any time of year, people can make poor decisions and get locked up behind bars. Family members and friends may find themselves scrambling to post bail for their loved ones in jail. Since it is often an unexpected cost, most people will turn to bail bonds Allentown PA for assistance. However, with the misinformation around about bail bonds, people may find the process of posting bail a bit confusing. That is why you should look at these misconceptions so that you can better understand the process.
Bond Agencies Only Accept Cash
Thinking that bond agencies are cash-only could be one of the most common misconceptions that you are likely to encounter. While cash is an acceptable means of paying for a bond, most agencies accept other forms of payment. Bail bond agencies generally accept debit and credit. Also, you can discuss other options such as collateral with the bond agency.
Bail Is Similar to a Bail Bond
Many people do not know the difference between a bail bond and bail. They often assume that the two are the same. In reality, bail is the amount that a judge determines after an arrest; it is the amount that you are required to pay for your release from jail until the next court date. Bail is usually refundable when you appear for the court dates. However, if you cannot afford the bail, you require bail bonds. Bail bonds are non-refundable because you pay to an agency that posts bail on your behalf.
Bail Bond Agencies Negotiate Bail
The truth is that a bail bond agency cannot negotiate the bail amount. Bail amounts are never set at random. The judge determines the bail amount based on several factors such as the crime committed and your criminal history. As such, only the judge has the power to lower or raise bail and not the bail bond agency.
It is certainly stressful to get someone out of jail. Believing these myths may make you think the process is harder than it actually is. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be confusing after debunking these bail bond misconceptions.
